Malaria and Vector-Borne Diseases
Globally, vector-borne diseases cause more than 700,000 deaths each year. For decades, our malaria research program has led global malaria eradication efforts by developing and deploying innovative tools for improved malaria treatment, prevention, and surveillance. In our laboratories in Baltimore and at field research sites across Africa and Asia, we direct epidemiological studies, carefully controlled human infection models, and clinical trials of malaria drugs and vaccines. We also research antimalarial drug resistance, molecular and genomic epidemiology, immunoepidemiology, pathogenesis, and mechanisms of immune evasion. Building upon lessons learned and networks built with our malaria program, the Center has expanded its research focus to include additional vector-borne diseases that affect communities around the world.
Disease Areas: Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), dengue virus, Plasmodium (malaria), Schistosoma (schistosomiasis),
Major programs and initiatives:
- Malaria genomic epidemiology and Plasmodium population genetics
- Immune response to malaria infection and vaccination
- Development of malarial disease, with a focus on severe malaria.
- Malaria vaccine development
- Controlled Human Malaria Infection (CHMI) models
- Vector biology and malaria transmission
- Vector-borne disease challenge studies
- Dengue virus evolution in response to host factors, climate drivers and vector kinetics
Faculty pursing research in this area: